Geneva 2009: Saab 9-3X

The long, long wait for an all-new Saab continues as Swedish car maker debuts yet another 9-3 variant.

Geneva 2009: Saab 9-3X

Saab may be a company in desperate need of new models – as well as new cash – but the Swedish car maker has launched yet another variant of its ageing 9-3 model at the 2009 Geneva motor show.

The 9-3X follows the lead of the likes of Subaru’s Outback and Audi’s A4 Allroad by modifying a 9-3 SportCombi with extra ground clearance and the company’s ‘XWD’ all-wheel-drive system.

Under the hood is either a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel or a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a BioPower option that allows the 9-3X to run on a shandy of ethanol and petrol. All models will use either a six-speed manual or auto gearbox.

The diesel, though, is front-drive only. The AWD system is similar to the hi-po 9-3 Turbo X’s and uses a hydraulic system to push drive from the front wheels to the rear as needed. Some versions will also get access to a limited-slip rear differential.